Cleverley could not understand why he was struggling after scoring 17 league goals during loan spells at Wigan, Leicester and Watford and hopes he has finally ended his drought.

Familiar feeling: Cleverley's miss against Newcastle came on the back of recent failures in front of goal for England (Image: Michael Regan - The FA)

“It has been playing on my mind a little bit, because I’ve scored goals wherever I’ve gone on loan,” he said.

“It’s bugged me a bit that I’ve not been doing it for my club - and my country - but I’ve got that first one out of the way now so hopefully more will follow.”

After losing Nemanja Vidic for two months following a knee operation, Cleverley was delighted to see Darren Fletcher - who was captain for the first time - and Wayne Rooney start against Newcastle after their respective illness and injury.

“It’s fantastic to have them both back,” he said. “Fletch is a big-game player and he would bring positive things to any squad in the world.

“It’s good to have him back and he’s a great lad too. I’m happy for him and obviously Wayne came back and put on a good performance so we’re getting stronger.